The 22nd edition of the week-long Kolkata International Film Festival began on Friday under the shadow of demonetisation with organisers roping in the whos who of Bollywood and a galaxy of global cine personalities to kickstart the event with the usual punch. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced the presence of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, his wife and actor Jaya, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol and Parineeti Chopra at the inaugural ceremony. China will feature as the focus country in the annual cine extravaganza organised by the state government. A delegation of at least eight persons from the Chinese government and film industry will attend the fest, which will screen as many as seven films from the neighbouring country. (Source: Photo by APH IMAGES)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is the brand ambassador of West Bengal tourism tried his luck by speaking in Bengali and ended up sounding adorably cute. "'Bangla bolbo na eki kokhono hoye?' ( How can I not speak Bengali)," Shah Rukh Khan said while adressing a crowd in Kolkata. In the presence of Banerjee, the star continued hisBengali speech while the crowd smiled had at his cute attempt to grasp the proper Bengali accent. The actor confessed that his Bengali is weak and told Jaya Bachchan she can chastise him later. (Source: Photo by APH IMAGES)

As many as 15 films from 13 countries have been selected for the international competition (Best Film by a Woman Director and Best Woman Director). (Source: Photo by APH IMAGES)

Kajol, who is the best on screen romantic partner of Shah Rukh Khan, was also present at the event. (Source: Photo by APH IMAGES)